Rescue Mission

Rescue mission

(Chapter 12 of two souls entwined in the North Pole)

Bernard had finally gotten some time to himself. Pouring himself a cup of bubbling green liquid, he sits at the workshops chemist room. Suddenly, curtis rushes in.

"We've got a problem. Santa was at the Miller's, but he's not responding!" Curtis cries.

"What?!" Bernard jumps out of his seat, nearly shattering his mug in the process.

His soulmate was in danger! He could sense it. What it was, he did not know, but he knew it was bad. Laura had to have something to do with this!

"Do you want us to deploy the e.l.f.s., sir?" Curtis asks, bouncing on his heels.

"Absolutely! I'm coming with them!" Bernard quickly threw on his long coat.

"But sir, you're needed here!" Curtis protests.

"My soulmate is out there! In trouble! As their mate I am required to risk anything and everything to keep them safe! Need I remind you, keeper of the handbook?!" Bernard fights back and Curtis throws his hands up in defense.

"I guess I could take over for you, while you're gone." Curtis suggests.

"As much as I don't want to do that, you'll have to." Bernard rushes off, leaving a concerned Curtis behind.

Rushing to the E.L.F.S department, Bernard curses himself. If only he had gone with,none of this would have happened. If only he didn't agreed to Charlie tagging along, even if he had some good ideas. It was way too risky for him to do. But he couldn't just say no to his soulmates brother.

Making his way to the department, he slams open the door. Several elves jump and one falls out of their seat.

"Santa and the spirit of Christmas are in danger!" Bernard tells them.

"On our way sir!" The head of the department, an elf named Kenny, declares as all of them put on their jet packs.

"I'm coming with you guys." Bernard states, stepping forward slightly.

"If you say so, sir!" Kenny agrees.

Joining hands, they all disappear into a cloud of glitter. They appear on top of Charlie's roof.

As this is happening, a rather different performance is being drawn out in the holding cell with you and Scott.

"Look, I know you're Scott Calvin. You know you're Scott Calvin and (y/n) Calvin. So let's make this simple.  I say, names. You say, Scott Calvin and (y/n) Calvin. " The police officer pressures.

"Name?" He asks Scott.

"Kriss Kringle." Scott says smugly.

"Name?" He turns to you. 

"Christmas cheer." You protest.

"Name." He forces.

"Spirit of Christmas past, present, and future." You push.

"Name?" He asks for a third time, getting frustrated.

"Holiday joy. Festive cheer. Holiday blessings. Yuletide spirit. Festive joy. Joyous Noel.  Christmas spirit." You rattle off, laughing.

"Okay, Calvins. Maybe a couple of hours in the tank will change your mind." The officer growls and stomps out of the room.

Scott turns to you.

"It'll be ok honey," He smiles sadly.

You nod and blink away stray tears.

Meanwhile Bernard and the E.L.F.S. are preparing to rescue Charlie. They land on Charlie's roof where he is sitting.

"Charlie!" Bernard says to catch his attention.

Charlie turns his head and his eyes light up. Rushing over to Bernard he hugs his leg.

"Oh Bernard! They detained (y/n) and dad! They don't believe he's Santa! They think he kidnapped me!" Charlie sobs.

"Don't worry sport. We're here to rescue them." Bernard pats Charlie's head.

"We can't. The police are watching this place." Charlie looks at him.

"Yeah, they probably are. But you see, we weren't figuring on walking out the front door. We find that we can get around a lot faster if we fly. Now... grab hold of my hand. And hold on tight." Bernard presents his hand and Charlie grabs it.

"And Charlie," Bernard starts.

"Yeah?" Charlie inquires.

"Don't ever try this without elf supervision." He finishes.

I'm a split second they are flying through the air. It takes little time to end up at the police station. Landing, they walk into the station.

"We're looking for Santa Claus." Bernard steps forward.

"Go home, kids. Visiting hours are over." The security guard scoffs.

"We're not kids, and we're not visiting." Bernard presses.

"We're here to bust out my dad." Charlie chimes in.

"You're the Calvin boy. Who-- Who are these other kids?" The security guard stutters.

"We're your worst nightmare. Elves with attitude." Kenny glares.

In a split second the guard is tied to his chair with tinsel, unable to move.

"Shouldn't have had that doughnut. Oh! Untie me! I mean it! Untie—" The guard starts but they walk away.

Finding the holding cell was easy, getting them out might be a bit of a challenge though. Fiddling in his bag, Bernard pulls out an exact copy of the room key.

"Charlie!" "Bernard!" Both you and your dad cry out.

Bernard rushes over to where you are handcuffed to the table and with one touch, the handcuffs break off of you both. Throwing yourself into his arms you sniffle.

"You're really here!" You cry.

"You think I'd let you stay here snowbird?" He caresses your face.

"Never!" You pull him into a quick kiss.

"How'd you distract the guard?" Scott asks.

"Tinsel. Not just for decoration." Kenny places his hands on his hips.

"We gotta get you back sport." You tell Charlie.

He pouts, but eventually nods his head. They all clasp hands and teleport out of the holding cell. Landing at Charlie's house, Charlie opens the door. The ELFS dissipate back to the North Pole leaving Charlie, Scott, and you standing there. You look around for Bernard, but he's nowhere to be found. Sighing you stints the house after Charlie and your dad.

"Mom! Neil! I'm home!" He calls out.

Laura runs in from around the corner and Neil is close behind her. She scoops Charlie into a tight hug.

"Oh! My boy, you're home!" She cries.

"I'm fine, Mom." He says.

"Oh, Charlie. I missed you, honey." She hugs him tighter.

"Mom, I'm fine. It's okay." He reassure her.

"We were so worried about you. Look at you." She gives him a look over.

"Mom, put me down. Stop kissing me!" He pouts.

"We don't have a lot of time Charlie." You say, tapping your imaginary watch.

"Did you leave the gifts I made under the tree?" Charlie asks you.

"You bet we did sport!" You ruffle his hair.

"We better go!" Charlie gets loose from Laura.

"No, Charlie. No, no, no." Your dad stops him.

"No! No, wait, Charlie." Laura calls after him.

"It's ok Laura," You say.

"Actually I- I think its a much better idea" Your dad starts.

"That you stay here with your mom and Neil." You finish.

"But dad, (y/n)!" Charlie pouts.

"No buts, Charlie" dad shushes him.

"We can't be selfish. We can't be with you all the time." You start.

"We're a family. You, me , your mom, your sibling, and Neil." Your dad says.

"And they need to be with you too." You kneel down to him.

"I'll miss you too much." He mopes.

"Come on, listen. There's-- There's a lot of kids out there. Okay? Millions of kids. And they're-- They all-- They all believe in us. They're countin' on us, Charlie. And I-I'm not gonna let them down. We got a lot of work to do." Your dad explains.

"So I can't be selfish either." Charlie says through tears.

"You gave us a wonderful gift, Charlie. Listen, a wonderful gift. You believed in us when nobody else did. You helped make us what we are. Selfish! You're the least selfish person I know." You say, smooshing Charlie into a hug from you and your dad.

"I love you Santa Claus and Christmas spirit!" Charlie sobs out.

"I love you son." Your dad validate his emotions.

"I love you Charlie!" You confirm.

Charlie sobs and your dad gently shushes him. You turn to Laura.

"Yea what do you think? Christmas Eve you spend with Charlie?" You suggest.

"Oh my god!" She says in a hushed whisper, covering her mouth with her hands.

"It's you! It really is you!you really are... Santa Claus and the spirit of Christmas!" She smiles.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Your dad asks rhetorically.

"Oh, my God." Neil sighs.

"And you though I'd never amount to anything." You joke.

Standing up, you both ready yourselves for delivering gifts.

"Wait, don't go yet. I have something for you." Laura says, quickly running out of the room

"Scott." Neil says plainly.

"Neil." He nods back.

Neil steps forward and his eye widen.

"Santa?" He asks, childlike wonder dripping off of his voice.

"It’s ok Neil." Your dad reassures.

Neil steps away, turning around and placing his hands on his head in disbelief. Laura comes walking in with a folder in her hand.

"Here. It's... well it's... it's my Christmas present for you. It's the custody papers." She says setting the folder in the roaring fireplace.

"And I want you two to see Charlie as often as you can." She says softly while picking up Charlie.

"You can count on it," You smile.

"Thanks Laura." Your dad beams.

"Merry Christmas." You grin.

Work and a visit from an elf

(Chapter 4 of wrapped in love)

It's been eight months and the amount of mouth injuries I've gotten is impossible to count. Luckily my mouth instantly heals now, but it's still inconvenient. My canine teeth have sharpened and my ears have elongated slightly. Being a children's librarian it makes it easy to pass off as a cosplay in town. Dad is trying to deny what happened, but his hair has gone light grey and he has gained a lot of weight. I mean a lot. I'm setting up to record when I hear the sound of bells. I spin in my chair to see Bernard standing in my doorway.

"What are you doing here?" I ask him.

"Just checking in. How's everything going?" Bernard sits onto my bed.

"Cool, cool. My mom doesn't want dad to ever see Charlie again, but other than that I've been good." I say pulling on my sweater over my tank top.

"Oh, sorry about that." He winces.

"They'll work it out. They always do." I shrug.

"What exactly are you doing?" He asks, looking behind me at my books laid out.

"I'm gonna be going to work at the library" I say putting on my barrettes. 

"Can I come?" He asks.

"Absolutely! Just wondering, why?" I ask, putting on my clip on earrings.

"I have to see what your like with children. It's customary." He explains.

"Makes sense." I nod as I grab the bag he gifted me.

"It's just down the road so I walk." I say slipping on my shoes.

"Are you sure you can walk in those?" He points to my platforms.

"Yeah, totally. I've been rocking platforms for over ten years." I smile.

We walk out the door and I lock it behind me. The walk to the library is a short but pretty one. The flowers seem to bloom and the birds sing in the trees. After a short five minutes, we are there. Entering the library, I am greeted by a chorus of hellos from patrons and coworkers. I clock in and walk back to Bernard.

"Reading corner isn't for another couple hours, I've got shelving until then." I gesture to my cart.

"That's okay. I need to see how you work with others anyways." He shrugs.

Quickly and efficiently I stock all the returns and still have twenty minutes until reading to the children. Bernard observes from the corner as I check out several people.

"Oh I love this book!" I say to the person I'm checking out, gesturing to the book Misery.

"I adore Stephen king and haven't been able to find this one yet. Im excited to read it." The customer grins.

"Well, tell me how you like it when you return it." I smile back.

The head librarian taps my shoulder as the customer walks away.

"It's time." She smiles.

I grab my small bell from the counter and make my way to the reading corner where Bernard already sits. I bring the bell up high and ring it six times. Children seem to come out of the brickwork and swarm around the reading corner. Some racing to the front and others preferring to sit back.

"What story are you telling today Ms. Calvin?" A girl with no front teeth lisps.

"Today we are reading... where the wild things are!" I drumroll and pull out the hardback.

"That looks scary!" A boy from the back calls out.

"Remember, it's fiction! And fiction means-" I start and they all bellow "fake!"

"The monsters in this book are not real and cannot hurt you! And if they were, I'd be here to protect you!" I flex my arm and the kids erupt into giggles.

"Now we have the main character, his name is max! And he's naughty!" I explain the premise.

I open the book and begin reading.

"The night max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind"

I flip the page. "And another."

Flipping the page "his mother called him wild thing" I say in a sweet voice.

"And max said 'I'll eat you up!" I give a gruff voice.

"So he was sent to bed without eating anything."

"That very night, in max's room, a forest grew." I rustle the potted plants behind me, "and grew- and grew until his ceiling hung with vines and the walls became the world all around."

"And an ocean tumbled by with a private boat just for max and he sailed off through night and day. And in and out of weeks, and almost a year to where the wild things are!"

The kids become enthralled with the story. Some stomp when the wild things do and some make scary faces. The children no longer appear scared and relax into the story. I close the book and set it onto the shelf.

"What story are you reading us tomorrow?!" A girl from the back calls out to me.

"Well I guess you'll have to come here to see!" I taunt jovially.

The group erupt into giggles and sighs of disappointment. They begin to scatter back into the library when the girl with no teeth approaches me.

"Ms.Calvin? Who's your friend?" She points to Bernard.

"This is Bernard! He's from out of state so he's just visiting for the time being." I lie.

"Oh, that makes sense. So can you tell me what book your gonna read next?" She pleads with me.

"Now Gisselle, that wouldn't be fair for the other kids." I ruffle her hair.

"I know." She giggles as she runs off.

"How'd I know her name?" I mumble.

"That's part of being Santa. They're all knowing. Most of the time anyway." Bernard shrugs.

"Oh. That makes sense I suppose. Anyway my shift is over, we better get back to pick up Charlie from the bus station.”

I sling my bag over my shoulder and punch out. I send a goodbye to the head librarian and she nods. Walking the way to Charlie's bus stop I think about what this means for my family. Getting to the stop, we wait about five minutes until Charlie's bus pulls up. I sit on the bench and change my shoes, a new pair appearing in my bag and I slip my platforms into it.

"Why the change?" Bernard asks.

"Charlie likes to be carried. And I can't do that in platforms without risking injury to both of us." I shrug.

The bus doors open and charlie is the first kid off, running to me with open arms.

"(Y/n)!!!" He throws his arms around me.

I pick him up and place him onto my shoulders.

"Bernard! You're here too!" He points.

"Hey sport! I'm here to see how your sibling and dad are doing." Bernard smiles.

"Dad's in denial. I learned the word from Neil." He smiles proudly.

"I'm sure you want to get home before dad gets back, so we better head out." I start walking.

Bernard trails behind us. We soon make it to the house and I unlock the door. Placing Charlie down, he kicks off his shoes and runs to the tv.

"Can we, oh can we watch muppets Christmas carol? Please (y/n)?" He asks with puppet eyes.

"It's not even winter yet, sport." I sit next to him.

"But it's my favorite!" He pleads.

"I can't say no to you, you watch it and I'll start dinner." I kiss his forehead.

I walk into the kitchen and start to prepare supper.

"This a new thing with him?" Bernard nods his head at the movie.

"Oh no! It's been his favorite forever. He watches it all the time." I clarify.

"So your dad. How's his transformation going?" Bernard clasps his hands.

"He's convinced it didn't happen. Even though we both have changed dramatically." I sigh.

"That's ok. You have three more months to get your affairs in order. Then you both will move to the pole." He wrings his hands.

"Like forever? How's that fair to us?" I get up.

"Well someone has to deliver Christmas presents. And your dad is now responsible for Christmas cheer." He holds his hands up.

"He's like the least cheery person I know." I try to explain.

"Well that doesn't matter now." Bernard shrugs.

"How am I supposed to tell him?" I ask.

"Not my job, sorry." He says, proofing into glitter once more.

"This is fucking bullshit!" I set the knife onto the cutting board.

I hear the door bell ring and sigh.

"Can you get that Charlie?" I ask him.

"It's the list!" He calls back.

The what now?

Dad is late and Laura wants to make my life hell (chapter 1)

Ever since I could remember I've had the name Bernard practically engraved onto my wrist. Elegant strokes had seemed to dance joyfully across my skin, silver glittery writing that practically glows. I've never met anyone with only a first name. In fact I've never met anyone with a tattoo on them since birth.

Today was Christmas Eve and Laura was dropping Charlie off at me and dads house. Neil, his stepdad, decided to drive them there.

I see them pull into the driveway and open the door wide as Charlie runs to me with open arms. I pick him up and spin around once and set him back down as he giggles. I stand back up and hug Laura .

"I see your father couldn't even be here to greet Charlie. Not that I'm surprised." Laura snarks.

"He just got caught up at work for a little more than he thought. He called me and said he'll be here within the hour." I retort.

Even if she is my step mom she doesn't deserve to be able to talk shit about dad. He's never been the same since their divorce. My mom died when I was around 11. It was on Christmas Day that she died and I've never liked it since. I remember asking Santa to have her survive that year. I had rushed down the stairs hoping to see my mom and dad on the couch, mom checked out from the hospital and all better. Instead I got a dad with glassy eyes and every present I had ever wanted over the years, but no mom. Ever since then I stopped believing in Santa and the whole Christmas shtick. I'm now 22 and work as a baker living in my childhood home with my dad. He could never do it alone and I could never imagine what he would do alone. He's planning to make Christmas dinner so I've already made a reservation for Dennys seeing as it's the only thing open late on Christmas Eve. As I was silently praying that I don't have to spend any more time than necessary with this woman Charlie's voice breaks my concentration on keeping a fake smile on.

"There's not any Christmas lights outside sissy! Can we put some up to surprise dad when he comes home?!" Charlie pleads with the biggest puppy eyes he could muster.

Sighing I nod and kiss his head.

"Sure bud but I'm gonna have to get them from the attic so stay here in the living room until I get back."

He nods his little head and pulls his mom onto the couch where he sits.

I trudge up the stairs to the attic and open the pull latter. All are Christmas decor is still in boxes because dad knows it's a sore subject. But I'd probably kill someone if Charlie asked. So I suffer bringing down the cardboard box labeled *X-MAS LIGHTS*. I make my way back down to the living room and Laura has this annoyed look on her face. As if I'm not fit to watch my brother even though I'm 22. I literally have a successful bakery in downtown Chicago for christs sake!

Charlie notices my presence and runs over to me with the biggest grin he could muster.

"Sissy (y/n)! Let's go decorate the house!" He gently pulls on my sweater sleeve as he guide me out the door. Laura gets up with crossed arms and follows us out.

"So (y/n), you ever get that little idea of yours off the ground? Because if not I'm sure your dad can give you a job scrubbing toilets at his company." Laura asks rather smugly.

Oh how I hate that bitch. I force a smile on my face and turn to her.

"Actually I have a shop in downtown Chicago on Michigan avenue. Thanks for asking Laura!" I rub in her face and get back to lifting Charlie into the air to put the lights on the roof.

"Well how do you afford that. I mean you can't be making that much money off of cookies alone. Are you running a drug ring in the back?" Laura whispers the last bit into my ear as to block Charlie from hearing it.

I bite my lip and take a deep breath before setting Charlie back down and turning to her.

"Charlie it's getting a little cold, why don't you run along inside and I'll be inside in a minute." I smile at him.

"Ok sissy (y/n)!" Charlie skips inside shutting the door behind him.

"How dare you. I've been very cordial seeing as your a massive bitch and all you can say is that I have got to be a drug dealer because I'm making enough money to afford my dream." I snap at her.

Looking dumbfounded she begins sputtering as dad rolls into the driveway.

"Hey guys! Sorry I'm late. Hope I haven't kept you waiting to long!" Dad smiles at us not realizing how tense things just were.

"There's Christmas lights up!

(y/n), I didn't think you wanted them up this year." Dad looks at me confused

"Charlie wanted to surprise you. You know I can't say no to his little face!" I defend myself laughing a bit.

"Your daughter just called me a bitch just so you know Scott." Laura tells dad.

Dad frowns at me "(y/n), now why would do that? All she did was drop Charlie off."

"She said that I was a drug dealer!" I defend myself.

"I did no such thing!" Laura lies.

"(y/n) apologize to your stepmom now!" Dad practically seethes.

"That's bullshit and you know it. She's lying. And she's not even my stepmom anymore!" I turn and go into the house slamming the door behind me.

"Why do you and mom always have to fight?" Charlie surprises me by popping up in front of me.

"We weren't fighting sport. We were singing! But your moms singing kinda sounds like cats fighting. So that's what you heard honey!" I try to reassure him. I don't think he buys it but doesn't ask further.

Dad soon comes inside and Charlie rushes over to him. Dad whisks him into his arms.

"Why are there no presents under the tree?" Charlie asks dad.

"Well Santa has to come yet buddy!" I reassure him.

"Neil and mom said that Santa's not real. Believing is for babies!" Charlie shakes his head.

Of course the fucking did. Can't the kid enjoy anything?

"Well I believe in Santa and I'm not a baby." Dad tells him, hoping to save the spirit. I quickly agree "I agree and I'm not a baby either!"

"Well sport! I'm gonna start on our delicious Christmas turkey!" Dad strides into the kitchen.

"So we have to eat it? Can't we go out to eat sissy (y/n)?" Charlie whisper asks to me.

"Don't worry sport. I already called Dennys and made a reservation for 8." I encourage him.

"But I don't like Dennys!" Charlie cries.

"I know but it's the only thing that's open on Christmas sport!" I disclose to him.

*TIME SKIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURNT TURKEY*

Smoke billows out of the kitchen entrance. It envelopes dad and his extinguisher as he fights the fire. Charlie and I are sitting at the dining table and I give him a knowing look.

"Dad, let's just go to Dennys. I already called them so I know they're open." I call out into the smoke.

Dad steps from the smoke with ash covering him from just about head to toe.

"Yeah. I guess that's okay. I really wanted to make Christmas special for you again but looks like I failed again." He glumly agrees.

"You didn't fail anything. We are here as a family and that's all I could ever want!" I say as my eyes water, somewhat from the smoke and somewhat from the sentiment.

I pick up Charlie and we both hug dad, not caring to get dirty.

"Come on guys! Let's have a Christmas dinner at Dennys. It's an American institution!" Dad scoots is out as we put on our winter coats and scarves.

We load into the car and buckle up. Soon we are at Dennys.

"Are you with Hatsutashi?" The lady with a name tag reading (JUDY) asked us.

Dad starts to open his mouth but I cut him off.

"No actually I made a reservation earlier under Calvin." I inform her.

"Party of three," she begins pulling out the menus, " follow me" she says beckoning us to the right side of the resultant into a booth.

We sit down and dad starts to order egg nog as Charlie sits with a disgusted look on his face.

"We're out." Judy says flatly.

"I guess we will take coffee, decaf though please. And he'll take a chocolate milk please." I tell her.

"We're out."

"Plain milk's fine then!" I tell her and she walks away.

"At least we know they got hot apple pie." Dad tries to lighten the mood.

Judy shouts from somewhere behind the counter "We did".

This is just great!

fanfic speedrun: write the scene you want to write and skip the rest of the fic

(same goes on the reader side of things)

Comfort and a visit to Charlie’s

(Chapter 10 of two souls entwined in the North Pole)

As soon as we get home dad heads to his room and refuses to come out. The door is locked to talking through it is about all I can do. How Laura can be such a cruel person is a loss to me. He barely does anything for over a week. After work I trudge to my room, change into pajamas and crawl under the covers. I just can't do it anymore. I rub my locket because it makes me think of Bernard. He'd make everything better. I just know it.

"Snowbird what's wrong?" I hear Bernard's voice come from outside my covers.

"She did it." I say, fighting back tears.

"Who did what?" He sits beside me.

"Laura took away dads visitation rights. He's not supposed to even be near him now!" I sob.

He pulls back the blanket and pulls me into his arms.

"I'm sorry snowbird." He pats me on the back. "I've got to get back to the pole for now but I'll see you later, ok?"

I nod and hug him tight. After he poofs away a knock comes from my door.

"Do you want to take a walk with me? Maybe see the Christmas lights at the town square?" Dad asks opening my door.

"Yeah, that sounds fun." I wipe my eyes with my sleeve.

We leave the house and start walking. Soon we are at a familiar house.

"Dad! You know we aren't supposed to be here!" I gasp.

"I just want to see him." Dad sighs, knocking on the door.

Neil opens the door and looks confused between us both.

"Hey Neil." Dad stuffs his hands into his pockets.

"Scott, you're not supposed to be here. And neither are they." Neil points to me.

"Don't make me beat you up Neil." Dad half heartedly threatens.

"Oh would Santa and Christmas spirit beat up someone?" Neil says, hands on his hips.

Dad moves past him into the house. I shrug and offer a half sincere sorry.

"I'm this close." dad says, fingers nearly touching.

" So you still believe you're Santa?" Neil asks pointedly.

"I don't know." Dad sighs.

Charlie comes running in. "What do you mean you don't know? Of course you are, Dad. How can you say that? Think of all those kids!"

"The only kids I'm thinking about are you and your sibling." Dad tussles his hair.

"We're fine! You can't let them down!" Charlie stomps.

Laura cuts in "Charlie listen."

" You listen! You think you know who he is. You don't!" Charlie wails.

Laura tries to reason with him " Charlie. Honey, listen. You're confused."

"I know exactly who they are!" Charlie cries out, tears brimming from his eyes.

"They are not Christmas spirit and Santa Claus!" Laura practically screams at him.

"He is too, Santa! We went to the North Pole together. I saw it. The elves are real old even though they look like Bernard called me sport, 'cause he knew everything. Right, Dad? He's (y/n)s soulmate! The necklace they have is from him!" Charlie tosses dad his snow globe.

And like that it seems like everything clicks behind his eyes.

"Thank you Charlie, thank you." He scoops him into a hug.

"Can we have a minute? To say goodbye?" I plead.

Laura scrunches up her face but Neil nods and ushers her off.

"You saw the ball come to life! You saw it!" Charlie says joyously.

"You bet I did," dad starts but Charlie is ready to run to pack a bag.

"Well, wait, sport. Sport. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. I think it's a much better idea if you just stayed here with your mom." Dad explains.

"I wanna be with you two though!" Charlie says.

"I love hearing you say that" dad wipes his eyes.

"You mean I can go?!" Charlie asks excited.

"Boy, this bird is dry. Haven't you people heard about basting?" I hear a familiar voice and I see the face of my boyfriend stuffed with turkey.

I hold in a giggle but my smile is bursting at h the seams. He smiles back at me.

"Bernard!" Charlie jumps up.

"Hiya sport!" Bernard nods at him.

"Bernard, can I go? Please, can I go, Bernard?!" Charlie pleads, puppy dog eyes engaged.

"It's ok with me." Bernard shrugs.

He grabs our my hand and dads. I hold Charlie and he poofs us away. In mere seconds we are at the pole. An elf whisks Charlie away to help on the sleigh and our outfits.

Bernard whisks me away while dad bonds with the reindeer.

"How do you always know how to make things better?" I grin.

"Just part of my charm I guess." He presses his forehead to mine.

I move forward and lock our lips. The faint taste of turkey lingers on his breath. I kiss him hard and he kisses back harder. My tongue grazes his l bottom lip and he gladly opens to me. He lets out a light moan and I can't help but to think dirty. My hands find his hair and his hands meet behind my neck. His hair is unbelievably soft. I wonder if the carpet match the drapes. I'm sure he would be beautiful down below, just like the rest of him is. My finger grazes his ear and he damn near buckles out from under him. He pulls me as close as he can, his half hard erection pulsating against the inside of my thigh, and when we might get a little too carried away a knock interrupts us. We quickly untangle ourselves from each other. Our faces hot with lust and embarrassment. His hands shifts his bag to hide his growing hard on.

Dad stands in the doorway. "Was what I think was happening in her, happening?" He points between both of us.

"Well, that depends on what you thought was happening!" I rush.

"So the answer is yes." Dad nods smugly.

"I am an adult you know!" I cross my arms.

"You're still my little kid. But if it had to be anyone I'm glad it's you Bernard." He nods.

"Well thank you sir!" Bernard beams, his hands fidgeting.

"Just don't be doing that around me. I would like to think of my kid as innocent even if they're not," dad starts.

"Guys! Quinton and I have got to show you this!" Charlie burst in.

Bernard smiles at me and I pull him out of the room. He's perfect.

The library

(Chapter 8 of two souls entwined in the North Pole)

It's been a couple of months and Bernard hasn't shown yet. I have a book reading with the kids from Charlies class after school at the library. I'm currently looking for my glasses.

"Check the bag." I hear the voice I've come to love from behind me.

I do and I find my glasses there.

"I don't remember putting them there?" I tell Bernard.

"Because you didn't. Remember, whenever you need something, the bag will have it." He unfolds the note from all those months ago.

"I missed you." I tell him.

"You should have summoned me." Bernard retorts.

"I didn't want to bother you." I say, grabbing my house keys.

"You could never bother me (y/n)." He says earnestly.

"I'm happy your here and all, but I'm gonna be late to read at the library." I hurriedly grab my hat and coat.

"I'll come with you!" Bernard calls after me.

"That's great and all, but what about your ears. You'll have to cover them, unless you want a million questions from first graders." I retort walking outside.

"I'll cover them with my hair. Don't worry!" He beams at me.

"Ok then. It's only a five minute walk to the library." I say, waiting for him to catch up.

"So how have things been at the pole?" I ask him.

"Oh you know, working hard! There only a little over 100 days until Christmas Eve. The sleigh is getting seatbelts so you can't fall out if you're a passenger." Bernard walks beside me.

"Oh that's good. Last time I felt like Charlie was gonna fall right over the edge." I nod.

"I'm sorry for not coming sooner." He apologizes.

"Not your fault. You're head elf, I know you've got loads of responsibilities." I assert.

I feel like I should be colder, but I'm not. It must be part of my powers. Normally I would be shivering after all this rain. I'm wearing the trapper hat from that night. It covers my ears perfectly and since it's windy it's a perfect cover up. After a little while we reach the library.

"So what book are you reading them?" Bernard asks.

I reach into my bag and think of the book I need.

"This one." I say, pulling out a copy of Peter rabbit.

"I made puppets and everything!" I show him the finger puppets.

"Did Charlie request all this?" Bernard asks, an eyebrow raised.

"Ok maybe not the puppets, but he loves puppets!" I retort.

"It's his favorite story after all! He was just like Peter when he was younger." I smile fondly.

"Just to let you know, Laura is going to be here, so if she says anything snarky, ignore it." I warn Bernard.

"Ok..." he says hesitantly.

We step into the doors and walk to the elevator. I press the number for floor three and smile at Bernard. The elevator opens and I walk to the service desk.

"Hi! I'm here for the seven o'clock reading." I smile at the woman behind the desk.

"Oh! You must be (y/n) Calvin! It's so nice to see people have in interest in teaching the youth of Chicago!" She smiles brightly.

"It's always a pleasure ma'am." I smile and nod at her.

I walk to the reading corner and sit down in the chair. Bernard sits next to me. I pull out the puppets and the book and set them on the table nearby. Suddenly I hear a voice and shoes hitting carpet.

"Sissy (y/n)! You made it!!!" Charlie runs over to us.

"Bernard! You're here too?! This is the best!" Charlie practically vibrates from excitement.

I sweep him into a tight embrace.

"You didn't doubt it, did you?" I ask jokingly.

"I didn't! But mom did!" Charlie says pointing to Laura, far away talking to another parent.

"Well sport, (y/n) would do anything for you." Bernard smiles at me and then Charlie.

"Ok kiddo, why don't you find a seat so we can get this show on the road." I ruffle his hair.

"Ok!" He fixes his hair and trots off sitting in the front row of seats.

"Hello (y/n). I wasn't sure you'd make it." Laura snarks.

I plaster a fake smile to my face. "Well, I did!"

"And who's this with you?" She asks pointedly.

"This is my boyfriend, Bernard." I smile at him.

He takes my hand in his and strokes his thumb over the back of my hand.

"Hello ma'am, I'm Bernard." He says standing up, he holds his hand out for her to take.

"Oh..." she says almost disgusted.

Soon the children gather and sit down. The parents moving to the back of the room.

I sit back down in our chairs.

"Hello everybody!" I project.

"Hello Mx. (y/n)!" Over thirty little voices echo back at me.

"Today joining us is my special friend! Everyone say hi Mr. Bernard!" I motion to Bernard.

"Hi Mr. Bernard!" They echo back.

"Alright! Today we are reading the tale of Peter rabbit! Have any of us read this before?" I ask the room.

Charlies hand bolts up. The children giggle.

"Yes Charlie, I know you have." I smile at him.

"Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter. They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir-tree" I start the story, Bernard holding the book and I puppeteering the puppets.

(Time skip brought to you by Beatrix potter)

"I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening.

His mother put him to bed, and made some camomile tea; and she gave a dose of it to Peter!

'One table-spoonful to be taken at bed-time.' But Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail had bread and milk and blackberries for supper." I finish the story as Bernard closes the book.

"Did everyone like that story?!" I nod my head at the children.

Soon came the chorus of yeses.

"Remember to tell Mrs. Agnes what you want to be read next week. I'll see you all soon!" I wave goodbye as the parents pick up their children.

Charlie comes back to the front as I'm packing up. Laura comes quickly behind him.

"Hey sweetie, you ready to see dad?" I ask him.

He nods his head and says "Yes (y/n).

Laura hands me Charlie's overnight bag and I sling it onto my shoulder. She says goodbye to Charlie and leaves.

We all enter the elevator and ride down. We walk through the lobby out the front doors.

"Bernard, why aren't you in the North Pole?" Charlie asks.

"Well, I've been coaching (y/n) how to be the spirit of Christmas." Bernard responds.

"Is it also 'cause you're their soulmate?" Charlie asks.

"Well... maybe just a bit." Bernard bites his lip.

"I knew it!" Charlie jumps up and down.

After a little walking we are back at the house. Dads car is not here yet so Bernard can stay a bit. I open up the door and step inside.

Taking off my hat I hear a soft gasp from Charlie.

"You've got pointy ears! That's so cool!" Charlie makes quite a commotion.

"Yes, but you can't tell your mom." I hold my pinky out.

"Ok I won't!" He says joining his pinky with mine.

"Now let's have some grub. I'm sure you and Bernard are famished by now." I say picking up Charlie and carrying him to the kitchen.

"Can we have grilled cheese?" Charlie pleads with puppy eyes.

"Of course hun." I confirm.

I prepare 5 sandwiches. Two for Bernard, two for me and one for Charlie. I cut Charlie's into four triangles. I pour him some chocolate milk and get some water for Bernard and me.

"Ya know, in the pole we don't have food like this." Bernard says in between bites.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"We usually eat sugary foods. But I'm most partial to savory foods, if I do says so myself." Bernard states.

"Well I guess I'll have to send some home with you." I giggle.

After we eat Charlie is ready for bed.

Taking Charlie upstairs, he tells us about his day at school. Getting to his room I pull out pajamas for him and help him change. Charlie lies down and I tuck him in, giving him a kiss on the forehead.

Charlie beckons over Bernard and starts whispering. He then giggles  and rolls over in bed.

We walk out of his room into mine.

"Can you stay?" I ask.

"For you I'd stay forever." He kisses the top of my head.

I go to the bathroom to change and hand Bernard some spare pajamas.

I lay down and wait for Bernard to join me. Hoping he won't just poof away again. He doesn't and he gets under the covers with me.

"I love you Bernard." I whisper to him.

He wraps his arms around me and says "I love you too (y/n). I love you too."

My arms go around his waist and my head to his chest.

He smells like home.